The Brittany's first appearance on the masthead of the American Field!
2008 United States Brittany Championship and Victoire Nationale Derby Championship
Maxwell’s Blew By You Crowned 2008 Champion; Sasquatch Wins Derby Title
By Mary Karbiner
The 46th running of the United States Brittany Championship was held March 10-17 at Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore, Okla. This Championship is the second longest held event on these grounds.
The winner was Maxwell’s Blew By You, owned, trained and handled by Terry Maxwell of Willcox, Ariz. He is a well built male, just four years old. “Chuck” sailed around the course with ease to garner the title. He carded two stylish finds during his hour.
Runner-up was Tequila With A Twist, five-yearold white and orange female owned by Jessica Carlson of Boise, Ida., and handled by Ed Tillson. “Taryn” has frequented the winners’ circle often.
From a field of 35 starters in the qualifying series the judges called back eight dogs that they felt worthy of the second look.
The top qualifier was first recognized in 1977. It has been noted in past reports that being Top Qualifier is the “kiss of death” by veteran handlers. To be top qualifier and win the championship has only been done five times: in 2007, 2003, 1998, 1980 and 1977. This year Taryn become the third dog to be named top qualifier and claim runner-up. That feat was accomplished only two other times: 1994 and 1983.
The other interesting stat is that Terry is the sixth amateur handler to win the Open Championship. Others were Ed Tillson in 2004, Jack Murphy (1998), Jake Schroder (1991), Dr. C. T. Young (1971) and Dr. Tim Poling (1969).
We were fortunate to have two gentlemen with outstanding credentials as our judges for the Open Championship. Gary Cowell of Lancaster, Mo., has participated in all facets of bird dog events having judged many breed championships including the American Brittany Club All-Age Nationals. Dennis Hidalgo of Colorado also raises, trains and handles their setters along with his wife Bonnie. He, too, has judged many other breed events. Having worked many dogs over the years this pair was knowledgeable and attentive to each dog’s performance. They were a pleasure to ride with.
We thank Purina for their generous sponsorship with product and hats. This club is one of the originally grandfathered events when Purina began their support. Purina is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dry foods. They are active in performance feeds for competition animals with extensive on-going research. We are grateful for their continued participation in the world of bird dogs.
Dog wagon duties were handled by Dr. John Webb. He brought his tractor to pull the dog wagon. Rain that fell prior to the start made the ground like grease so the dogs were transported without any delays. Head marshal Dr. Robert Rankin sent volunteers in the right direction. We thank all who supported this event and worked behind the scenes.
We would like to thank Dave Lincoln for donating pictures of the participants.
Monday after chores we gathered at the clubhouse for a winner’s party honoring last year’s winner Tequila Jack, owned by Dr. Robert Rankin and Ed Tillson. He is handled by Jim John. Jack was featured masthead of the January 19, 2008 issue of The American Field. Bob and Ed were given framed copies to enjoy. Delmar Smith also gave a framed copy to display in the clubhouse.
Jim John has handled the winner of the U. S. Open Brittany Championship eight times! Delmar Smith was on hand to present Jim with an engraved shotgun for his accomplishment.
Naturally, when dog people of longstanding are gathered there are lots of stories from the past about the great dogs that have run across these grounds. The retelling by Dr. John and Judy Webb, Bill and Rheta Cartmell and many others, sharing memories and some not so flattering stories of happenings over the years. We certainly enjoy these gatherings as did the “younger” participants.
Reporter Conrad Plevnic wrote in the fall of 2007:
“The beautiful Lake Murray grounds made possible by the State of Oklahoma have been a venue for many breeds and organizations for several years. Financial benefactors and those providing labor have unselfishly made considerable grounds and building improvements over these years.
“An unexpected source of support came into being this year from members of the Arbuckle Mountain Area Chapter of Quail Unlimited. Chris Cowlbeck, an Ardmore native, lends his charismatic personality and dedication to quail habitat improvement while heading up the group. With the approval of several organizations and individuals they have established the Field Trial Grounds Quail Restoration Area — 10-year Lake Murray Field Trial Grounds Project (LMFTGP) — 2,083 acres.
“Organizations promoting the venture include: Quail Unlimited - Arbuckle Mountain Area. (Please visit their website at www.arbucklequ.com). Partners in this venture are the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Oklahoma Field Trial Clubs of America (OFTCA).
“Quail Unlimited national sponsors and affiliates are Budweiser; Adopt-A-Covey; Kubota, Bass Pro Shops; Jerry’s Gun Shop; Brad Fenton Chevrolet, and Purina.
“Local habitat sponsors are Fresh Tracts — Stewarding Wild Resources; Metal Solutions — Buildings and Welding; Jones — Quail/Pheasant
Hunts; Marshall Tree Saw; Remington Mortgage Group, Lone Grove; True Value Discount Hardware; Maureen Realty; Rocking Creek Hunts — Quail/Pheasant; and Look Billboards.
“Quail habitat restoration efforts by this group since summer have been the thinning of about 10,000 trees less than twelve inches in diameter, and a 500-acre prescribed burn is planned in the near future.
“In addition, the Ardmore merchants and individuals are coming on board to support the program. Plans are also underway to provide quail
and field trial related seminars for the Ardmore Middle School annual 6th grade Environmental Camp at Lake Murray on May 20-22.
“In addition, the Ardmore Tourism Authority, the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, and local media groups have stepped up to the plate to see first hand the benefits of the cooperation between field trialers and the Ardmore community. This is certainly a positive step in making the Lake Murray grounds one of the top venues in the country for years to come.”
[Reporter’s note. The 500-acre bum was accomplished late February when conditions were right. There were snow and rain showers after the burn so that when we arrived on March 9 there was grass already sprouting. The area behind the new building and showers, through the fickle finger, from Rosco’s pond and down to Lem Roberts’ camp was burned off.]
Qualifying Series
Because of the “slicked off ground” we rode to Rosco’s pond each day for the breakaway, bypassing the burned area. We had a long fog delay until 10:30 a. m.
T C’s Match Boks Racer (Downing) and T J’s Apache (Tillson) went in search of game with gusto. Each made moves strong and wide. Crossing pond dam No. 2 and into the tent pad woods “Rob” had a negative encounter with game and was leashed. “Bandit” ran a strong race, using the country looking for game. He did not have game contact in the hour. Part of the criteria of this series is based on a dog’s merit of race and application whereby judges may call a dog back for the final hour without bird contact.
Kinwashkly Dakota Molester (John) had a nice find at 4 with all in order. Tejas Iron Max (Carrington) started strong and built with gusto. He had his own agenda and was not returned to judgment at the airport, toward Manck’s crossing. “Lester” ran wide and strong, with point being called at 29. It was a place where birds had been found in days prior but nothing was produced this day. At 35 near a feeder he pointed staunchly but no game could be produced and he was leashed.
Ramblin Man (Gorrow) and T J’s Prairie Blizzard (Tillson) left Rosco’s pond area and went down the chute, Blizzard the wider of the pair. They were across Lem Roberts’ road and into the Delmar Smith and Jim John during presentation. scout camp where Blizzard had a find at 21. “Randy” was on our left traveling on the edge of the mowed strip, changed direction and came to where the action was, passing the bracemate and checking out the flushing birds. Blizzard maintained his composure throughout. We traveled forward across pond dam No. 1 and through the tent pad finger. Blizzard had an encounter with game in a brushy finger and was leashed.
Tee Bone (Lincoln) and Bouncin Betty (Gorrow). From the meadow at the tent pad woods we went forward toward brushy point. Tee was wide from the start making the scout work hard. Betty had a nice find at 28 in a mott just across the ditch crossing. Sent forward she crossed pond dam No. 2 and went forward. Tee was out of pocket and the tracker was called for midway in the hour. Betty used the edges and maintained a strong forward race during her time on the ground.
Tub O Tee (Lincoln) and Le Grand Tank du Fayette (Gorrow) left from the feeder near the icky finger, both dogs showing their heels. At 23 Tub had a negative encounter with birds and was leashed. Tank could not get untracked and was leashed midway in the brace.
At the rock ridge, after a short break, T J’s Thunder (John) and Maxwell’s Blew By You (Maxwell) went toward pond dam No. 4. Turning toward gun dog hill Thunder pointed at the edge of a mott. Handler checked the area and elected to take the dog on. Through the chute, Girl Scout camp and beyond, this pair traveled across a lot of country. At 49 point was called for “Chuck”, with Thunder traveling around the finger where he was whoaed. Chuck’s birds were flushed with all in order, except the gun wouldn’t fire. A spare was called for and supplied. Thunder headed toward the pond dam and was sighted going left along the draw. Chuck headed forward through cedar point and toward the road to end the hour. Thunder was returned early into the grace period.
Day dog: Bouncin Betty.
Tuesday morning dawned with sunshine and no fog. A light frost was on the grass. K B’s Shadow Dancer (John) and Pancha’s Prince Edward (Peace) were hard to keep track of. Each hit the cover making forward moves. At 36 point was called for Eddie with Dancer backing. Game was flushed with all in order. Both dogs were still strong on the ground when the hour ended.
Breton’s Gold Run Ruffian (Tillson) and Belle’s Beau Max (Carrington) left the bed springs meadow heading toward the icky finger. Both dogs were wide and bold. Max was out of pocket before the airport and not returned to judgment. Runner was in and out of pocket requiring some scouting. At 46 he searched in a mott and pushed a bird to end his time on the ground.
Hi Proof Whizki (Gorrow) and Maxwell’s Charismatic (Maxwell) left Rosco’s pond headed down the chute. This pair was strong and bold from the start. “Whiz” was out of pocket at the gas well and not returned to judgment. “Jack” returned from an absence then left his handler high and dry to end this brace.
Blueridge Sergeant At Arms (Peace) and Jake Acres In Disquish (Gorrow) were out of pocket from the get-go. Loud calling, scouting and pleading did not return the dogs and the brace ended in the meadow out of the tent pad woods.
T & W’s Diamond Jim (Peace) had a nice find at 3 at a mott before pond dam No. 2 with all in order. He was out of pocket before bird alley and not returned to judgment. KD’s Slip N Slide (Tillson) hit the cover searching for game causing him to be lateral at times. We crossed the rock ridge and at 54 he pointed at the end of a brushy finger on our right. His style was classy through flush and shot.
Tequila With A Twist was in season. She started with a strong forward race. At 3 point was called by the scout. “Taryn” stood high and tight at the end of the brushy draw on our right. Game was flushed with all in order. Forward and searching she had another find at 40. She stood in an opening between motts. Game was elusive but finally flushed with good manners. We crossed pond dam No. 3 and Taryn went straight down the meadow to the edge on our right. Point was called as she stood on the edge of the mowed area. An extensive flushing attempt produced nothing and her handler elected to take her on. She was forward, taking the edges when time was called.
Day dog: Tequila With A Twist.
Wednesday was sunny, light breeze and temperature in the 40s. Smarteye’s Joker (John) was slow to start, building range as time went. Jo Lockapex Dark Roux Gumbo (Lincoln) was out of pocket from time to time. Joker used the country wisely. At 52 point was called as he stood at the bed springs woods. His style was staunch. A long flushing attempt and log rolling got birds in the air. Roux was not returned to judgment.
Shadow Attack (Tillson) pointed at 3 but nothing was produced. Tequila Jack (John) was wide from the start. He made a swing to the right through the woods where he was last seen. Behind the airport Tack scored at 9 with good style through flush and shot. We crossed over the rock ledge and Tack went to the brushy ditch on the right. He pointed in the tall cover, relocated, but nothing could be found. He was leashed shortly after. Jack had not returned to judgment.
Hanging Jaze Howlalewya Amen (Tillson) and Buford’s Bada Bing (Gorrow) left the meadow above pond dam No. 4. Both dogs were slinging dirt. Bada went straight to the woods. “Slick” turned and came with the handler. He dug into the woods making wider casts. Bada was not returned to judgment. The tracker was requested for Slick.
The Farside’s Kid Amee (Gorrow) and TLM Comanche Chief (Milam) left from Rosco’s pond and down the chute. At 29 point was called for Chief. He stood at the edge of a mott before pond dam No. 2. Birds were flushed with all in order. About 50 yards forward Amee was pointed at the base of a bulldozed mound. Extensive flushing only found feathers. At 42 Chief had a pile of feathers. Amee had a nice find in a brushy finger along the road. At 53 Chief pointed at the edge of bed springs woods. Handler elected to take him on to end the hour.
Blueridge Major Adventure (Downing) and Orion’s Flojo (Smith) left from the meadow before bird valley. Major was out of pocket but showing when necessary. Flo had a stylish find just before the aiiport. Major continued to be the wider of the pair. We came out of the scout camp, crossed pond dam No. 1 heading toward the tent pad woods. The other scout called point for Major as he stood staunchly near some cedars. A nice sized covey was flushed with all in order. Just forward in the same wooded area Flo had a covey find with all in order to end the hour.
Dakota Luke (Mantler) and Breton’s Castle Rocket (John) ran strong and covered a lot of country. At 45 both dogs headed toward the same brushy finger. Luke pointed as Rocket ran through the pond to water. Luke pushed the bird out and Rocket went swimming to end their time on the ground.
Day dog: Smarteye’s Joker. Top qualifier: Tequila With A Twist.
The Finals
The final series is arranged by the judges. The idea is for dogs to have a different bracemate and different course, if possible.
Bouncin Betty and Smarteye’s Joker were loosed under sunny skies this morning with a light breeze and temperatures in the 50s. From Rosco’s pond and down the chute this pair worked the cover and the woods. Across Lem Roberts’ road, at a mott to our right, “Jordan” pointed staunchly. Betty swung to the right and behind the other dog, failing to back. She was leashed. Game was flushed for Jordan with all in order. He ran the
edges moving forward. At 46 he pointed at the end of a mott just before bird alley. A thorough flushing attempt finally put game to flight as Jordan maintained his manners. His race became stronger through the hour.
TLM Comanche Chief and Maxwell’s Blew By You. From the meadow at the bed springs woods we traveled toward the icky finger. Both dogs went to the right toward bird alley. Shortly point was called for Chief at 8. He stood at the edge of a brushy finger just across the road before bird alley. The tall brush made it difficult to flush. Finally the bird was put to flight and Chief wanted a closer look. “Chuck” was making wide reaching casts. He came from the left side of the airport and forward to rim the brushy finger with the small pond. His handler called point as he stood high and tight on the downwind side. Game was put to flight as he maintained fine manners. On through Manck’s crossing Chuck traveled the edges and into the cover, showing forward with minimal handling. We went over the rock ridge and turned left toward pond dam No. 4. Chuck ran smoothly and effortlessly across the terrain, forward in his application. Down the chute and out of the big draw Chuck went over the ridge to the left. Point was called as he stood in a brushy mott just down from the blacktop. Birds were flushed with all in order. He was still strong and well forward when the hour ended.
The Farside’s Kid Amee was slow to start and was leashed early in the brace. Pancha’s Prince Edward searched for game, handling well for his substitute handler. At 16 he pointed in a mowed strip before pond dam No. 2. Birds left, he released himself and was leashed. We moved across the pond dam No. 2 and headed toward cedar point.
Tequila With A Twist and Orion’s Flojo immediately went to work. We watched through the brush as Flo moved toward the end of a brushy finger just before bird alley. At 7 she backed “Taryn” already standing in the shadows at the edge of the mott. The handler had a hard time flushing game and relocated. She pointed a short distance away. Game was flushed with all in order. Both dogs were watered and sent on. At 19 Flo pointed into the woods at the bed springs corner with Taryn backing. Again good manners were exhibited by both dogs. We traveled toward the airport, up the ridge where point was called for both dogs at 32. They stood a ways apart at the edge of a mowed strip on our right. Both dogs had birds flushed and each was fired over. Flo turned back to the mowed edge on the left where she established point at 35. Birds were flushed with all in order. Taryn made a wide cast, swinging around the meadow on the right, headed forward. She continued to reach and at 49 she scored again with classy manners. Dogs were in the water at pond dam No. 4. Taking the ditch line on our left, Taryn pointed game in the sumac thicket with fine style. Quickly traveling up the ditch almost to the end of it she jumped in the cover where she was found pointing again. Birds were flushed as she stood high and tight. The hour ended as we headed toward gun dog hill.
Ardmore, Okla., March 10
Judges: Gary Cowell and Dennis Hidalgo
UNITED STATES OPEN BRITTANY CHAMPIONSHIP
[One-Hour Qualifying Heats; One-Hour Finals]—35 Brittanys
Winner—MAXWELL’S BLEW BY YOU, 1569041, male, by Maxwell’s Maxamillion—Chickasaw. Terry Maxwell, owner and handler.
Runner-Up— TEQUILA WITH A TWIST, 1556863, female, by Tequilas Joker—Princess Haley. Jessica Carlson,owner; Ed Tillson, handler.
VICTOIRE NATIONALE DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP
The visionaries before us certainly kicked off something wonderful. To this day it is the only one-hour Derby for Brittanys. As was written in the April 20, 1974 American Field report:
“The program was added with the intention, most surely, as to glorify the Derby prospect most likely to theoretically win the U. S. Open Brittany Championship.”
In 2005 this stake was recognized as a Championship standing on its own merits. This renewal revealed the reason for the longevity and interest in this stake as proving grounds.
The 2008 Open Championship winner, Maxwell’s Blew By You, was entered in the 2006 Open Championship where he was named Top Qualifier from the first series. “Chuck” was also entered in the 2006 Derby Championship that followed, where he was named the winner. He came close that year to the record held by Bayou’s Lonesome Sue. She did all three parts: top qualifier, winner in the Open Championship and winner of the then Derby Classic.
Many of the entrants in the past have gone on to be national champions, multiple hour winners, proving that an intense venue will surely help to improve our breed.
This year’s Derby winner was Sasquatch, owned by Lynette Burton of Carrollton, Mo., and handled by Al Gorrow. “Bud” is just weeks shy of two years old, showing qualities that exemplify what this stake intended.
Runner-up Tequila’s Barbed Wire is just two years old. She also showed intelligence and endurance in her application. She is owned and handled by Ed Tillson of Albequerque, N. M.
There were eleven entrants this year, one of the lowest overall. The years 1976 and 1995 each had ten starters respectively. This year was again small but mighty.
Judges Dr. Robert Rankin of Edmond, Okla., and Mary Karbiner of Bellevue, Tex., stated that there were many impressive races showing that trainers have done their homework to meet the intended criteria of this stake. To the reporter’s knowledge, only two dogs did not finish the hour but they were leashed for reasons other than endurance. We welcomed Bryce Novotny and his dad from Louisiana. They are first-timers to this event.
The Running
Promiscuous (Gorrow) started fast from the breakaway, going to likely places for game. Digging in the cover would cause her to be lateral from time to time. Dot De Whiz (Wild) was busy hunting for birds. In her last part of the hour she showed better application. Neither dog had game contact.
Wayside’s Blueridge Runner (Downing) and Bar Lo J and M Jax’s Flash (Carrington) left the meadow at bird alley. “Blue” made some of his casts with the wind causing his application to be lateral at times. At 40 he pointed in a mott below gun dog hill with Derby manners. He went into a hunting mode but picked up range as the hour ended. Jax’s race was more inconsistent in application. He had two bird contacts, finishing at moderate range.
Sasquatch (Gorrow) and Lafayette Kinmont Willie. Atop pond dam No. 1 and through tent pad woods this pair was slinging dirt. Willie began to carefully check all the cover. “Bud” used the country to his advantage, maintaining a strong forward race. Willie had a hard time maintaining the front and was up at 40. Bud scored at 48 with nice Derby manners. At 59 he had bird contact in a brushy finger as the hour ended.
Kissthis (Gorrow) and Dem Bones (Lincoln). After a lunch break we went to Rosco’s pond for the breakaway. Down the chute, through the scout camp both dogs worked the terrain. Bones was becoming a handful requiring some scouting. “Smooch” was sidetracked by a vehicle leaving. She was unable to return to the front and was leashed midway in the hour. Bones was strong on the ground, having his own agenda from time to time. He did not have any bird contact in the hour.
Chick’s Son Of The South (Carrington) and Sham’s Pontchartrain Xpress (Novotny). From the bear trap meadow this pair went to hunting the cover. Both dogs made some nice casts but were inconsistent in maintaining the front. At 24 “Sonny” pointed at the edge of the brushy finger with the little pond, standing until the bird went. Sham hunted the cover, lateral at times. He finished at moderate range without bird contact.
Tequila’s Barbed Wire (Tillson) ran as a bye. “Trouble” ran hard and forward rimming the course with vigor. At 44 she had bird contact and at 48 had an unproductive. It appeared by her gait that she began having foot problems. At 52 she pointed game near Dennis’ ditch with acceptable Derby manners. She finished the hour diligently to the front.
Victoire Nationale Derby Championship
judges: Mary Karbiner and Dr. Robert Rankin
[One-Hour Heats]—11 Brittanys
Winner—SASQUATCH, 1601419, male, by Mr. Magilacutty—Steel Wheel. Lynette Burton, owner; Al Gorrow, handler.
Runner-Up—TEQUILA’S BARBED WIRE, unreg., female, by P J Count De Archie—T J’s Prairie Rose. Ed Tillson, owner and handler.
